This Vegan Red Beans and Rice recipe may not be traditional (see also: it's vegan), but it certainly is tasty, bold, and easy! Modified from Fat Free Vegan Kitchen.
1large green bell pepperfinely diced (about 1 ½ cups)
1pounddry red kidney beanssoaked in water overnight, drained, and rinsed
3bay leaves
2teaspoonsdried thyme
2teaspoonsdried oregano
1teaspoonpaprika
¼teaspoonground cayenne pepperplus more to taste
½teaspoonblack pepper
2chipotle peppers in adobo saucechopped
2teaspoonshot saucesuch as Tabasco, more to taste
6cupsvegetable broth
Saltto taste
Cooked rice and sliced green onionsfor serving
Instructions
Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium high heat. Add in the onion and cook until very tender and beginning to brown, about 10 minutes.
Add in the garlic, celery, and bell pepper, and continue to cook until just softened, about 3 minutes.
Add in the soaked and drained kidney beans, bay leaves, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, chipotle peppers, red pepper sauce, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for about two hours, or until the beans are very tender and mushy (see notes about bean cooking time).
Season with additional salt and hot sauce. Serve with cooked rice and top with sliced green onions.
Video
Notes
The age of your beans can greatly affect your cooking time. Older beans take longer to soften (and if they are too old, they might never soften to the point you’re looking for). If your beans seem like they’re never going to get to the tender/mushy stage—just go at them with a potato masher. I won’t tell anyone.
This dish is supposed to be spicy, but if you’re a heat-wimp, leave out the cayenne pepper and hot sauce to begin with—you can always add more later!
Slow Cooker Method: Place the soaked, drained, and rinsed beans in a large stockpot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and boil vigorously for 10 minutes. Drain and rinse. Add to slow cooker with all remaining ingredients (except the rice and green onions) and cook on high for 4-6 hours or low for 6-8, or until the beans are very tender and mushy. Season with additional salt and hot sauce. Serve with cooked rice and top with sliced green onions.